KATHMANDU: Stay informed with Nepal News’ daily evening briefing, covering the most significant developments from Nepal and around the world. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we bring you a concise summary of the day’s top stories.

Monsoon Triggers Floods, Fatality, and Road Collapse in Eastern Nepal: Heavy monsoon rains have battered eastern Nepal, causing floods, road damage, and one confirmed death. In Jhapa, 56-year-old Bhagirath Tamang was swept away by the Siddhi Khola and found dead in an irrigation canal. In Dhankuta, floods washed away 50 metres of the Koshi Highway near Phedi, stranding vehicles. Diversion efforts are delayed by strong currents and continued rain. Authorities are building a temporary footpath for pedestrians. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology issued flood warnings for Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, and Dhankuta, with rivers like Mechi Khola, Kankai, and Budhi Khola nearing or crossing danger levels.

PM Oli Calls on Professionals to Defend Democracy, Advance Health and Governance: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasized the collective responsibility to protect and strengthen Nepal’s democratic republic, achieved through the people’s historic struggle. Speaking at the fifth general convention of the Nepal Health Professional Federation, he contrasted the current freedoms with the restrictions under the former monarchy. Acknowledging recent pro-monarch protests, he said such expressions are allowed in a democracy, but urged focus on development and good governance. Oli highlighted significant progress in the health sector and called on health professionals to ensure accessible, affordable care. He reiterated that defending the republic is a duty shared by all citizens and professionals alike.

Nepal Oil Corporation Hikes Fuel Prices Across All Categories: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced a hike in fuel prices, effective from midnight Saturday. Petrol prices have increased by Rs 2 per litre, now costing Rs 156.50 in first category areas, Rs 159 in second, and Rs 159 in third category areas. Similarly, the price of diesel and kerosene has risen by Re 1 per litre. Diesel and kerosene will now cost Rs 140.50 in the first category, Rs 141 in the second, and Rs 143 in the third. Areas like Amlekhgunj and Birgunj fall in the first category, while Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Dipayal fall in the third.

Gagan Thapa Says Protests Will End the Day Top Leaders Step Aside: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa claimed that ongoing protests would cease the moment senior leaders of major political parties voluntarily step down. Speaking at the ‘Republic is the Right Path’ discussion program, Thapa said Nepal’s core democratic problem lies in the continued leadership of the same individuals for decades—something rarely seen elsewhere. He argued that if these leaders announced their retirement today, public agitation would disappear instantly. Thapa dismissed the narrative that “nothing has happened in Nepal” and stressed the need to end the culture of distorted political alliances, calling for internal party reforms and leadership renewal.

Pro-Monarchy Protests Continue for Third Day, Clashes with Police Near Baluwatar: Pro-monarchy and pro-Hindu state supporters in Nepal have continued their demonstrations for a third consecutive day, demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy and Hindu nation status. After protests in Ratnapark on Thursday and a rally from Maitighar to Baneshwar on Friday, demonstrators marched from Ratnapark to Baluwatar today. Police detained at least two youths attempting to enter the restricted Narayanhiti area, declared off-limits by the government. Ex-army and former security personnel joined the protests. Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) held a central executive meeting, declaring the movement successful and planning greater grassroots mobilization. More protests are planned for Sunday at 2 PM in Narayanchour.

Pro-Monarchy Alliance Vows to Continue Protests Until Demands Are Met: The Joint People’s Movement Committee, advocating for the restoration of monarchy, has announced it will continue protests until its demands are fulfilled. In a video message on Saturday evening, committee coordinator Navaraj Subedi said growing public participation has energized the movement. He highlighted how Kathmandu residents clapped from rooftops and supported chants from the streets, which he described as a strong mandate. Encouraged by this public backing, Subedi confirmed that the protests will persist. The next rally is scheduled for Sunday at 2 PM in Narayanchour, with the committee pledging to intensify pressure until their goals are achieved.

Shekhar Koirala Reaffirms Support for Kirat Community’s Fight for Identity and Inclusion: Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala on Saturday reaffirmed his solidarity with the Kirat community in their ongoing struggle for identity, access, and representation. Speaking at the ‘Tuwachung Day’ event organized in Halesi, Khotang, during the Sakela Ubhauli festival, Koirala recalled advocating for identity-based inclusion and proportional representation during Nepal’s constitution drafting process. He emphasized that the Nepali Congress has always believed in resolving conflict and ensuring recognition for all communities. Koirala also pledged to actively work toward getting the sacred Halesi Mahadev temple enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and spiritual importance.

Judiciary Will Never Be Defamed If Guided by Integrity, Dedication, and Competence: Chief Justice Raut: Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut on Saturday stated that Nepal’s judiciary will never be defamed if it operates with integrity, dedication, and competence. Speaking at the 5th annual assembly of the Judicial Officers’ Society, he emphasized the vital role of staff in building a dignified and respected judiciary. Raut urged judicial employees to self-reflect on service delivery and institutional effectiveness, calling for “ruthless review” if existing efforts fail. He acknowledged challenges in leadership and mobilization, but said he remains committed to judicial reform. Stressing the importance of public trust, he called on staff to uphold rule of law and judicial independence.

Finance Minister Poudel Projects 6% Growth, Urges Support for Realistic and Reform-Oriented Budget: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel stated that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year targets a 6% economic growth rate, calling it realistic and reform-focused. Speaking at a Saturday event in Kathmandu, he emphasized that the budget was prepared with proper resource management and within financial limits. He urged support for effective implementation and noted that past growth of 7.5% makes the 6% target achievable. Poudel addressed concerns over public debt and revenue, stressing efforts to mobilize resources, empower youth entrepreneurs, support the private sector, and promote digital banking and environmentally safe mining through legal and infrastructure reforms.

Gandaki Makes RS/SD Logo Mandatory for Ride-Sharing; Transporters Protest: The Gandaki Province government has mandated that all ride-sharing vehicles must display an “RS” or “SD” logo for identification. As per the newly published Ride-Sharing (Regulation and Management) Rules 2082, two-wheelers must show a red “RS” inside a black circle, while self-drive vehicles must display an “SD” logo. The move aims to ensure transparency and regulate online-based transportation services. However, transport entrepreneurs have opposed the rules, demanding the withdrawal of the clause defining privately registered red-plate vehicles as part of ride-sharing. The government claims the policy was created with stakeholder consultation, making Gandaki the first province to legally recognize ride-sharing.

‘Mahabhoj’ Set for Nationwide Release on Jestha 30 After Delay: Nepali film Mahabhoj, originally scheduled for release on Jestha 15, will now hit theatres across Nepal on Jestha 30 due to unforeseen circumstances. Director Dinesh Raut apologized to audiences for the delay and expressed gratitude for their patience and support. “This is a story of our society, and we need your love to succeed,” he said, urging viewers to watch the film in cinemas. The movie, which has already received positive feedback at a preview screening in Kathmandu, stars Dayahang Rai, Aryan Sigdel, Khagendra Lamichhane, and others. Produced by Himal Kadel, Mahabhoj blends entertainment with a socially resonant narrative.

Rajesh Hamal’s Comeback Film ‘Narsingha: Avatar’ Grosses Rs 2.04 Crore in First Week: Superstar Rajesh Hamal’s comeback film Narsingha: Avatar has entered its second week after collecting Rs 2.04 crore gross in its opening week, according to the producers. Marking Hamal’s return to cinema after eight years, the film has generated buzz, with the actor actively participating in promotional events—unusual for him. He met audiences in major Kathmandu cinemas on opening day and is currently touring western Nepal after promoting the film in the east. Directed by Diwakar Bhattarai, the film also stars Raj Katuwal, Niti Shah, Sanisha Bhattarai, and Nir Shah, and is produced under the Creative Cine Arts banner.

Actress Barsha Siwakoti Inaugurates International Beauty School ‘ISAS’ in Baneshwor: Actress Barsha Siwakoti inaugurated ‘ISAS,’ a new beauty school opened in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. The academy will offer over 45 internationally recognized short- and long-term courses, including cosmetology, makeup, nail technology, spa therapy, salon and spa management, and eyelash extension. Siwakoti expressed confidence that the institution will play a vital role in empowering women through skill-based education and entrepreneurship. ISAS is an international franchise launched in Nepal by renowned global beauty icon Bhakti Sapkota, who has worked as a hair and makeup artist in various international beauty and fashion events. The school aims to create job-ready, self-reliant beauty professionals.

Khadka Bahadur Khadka and Santoshi Shrestha Win 13th Kantipur Half Marathon: Army athlete Khadka Bahadur Khadka and Olympian Santoshi Shrestha claimed their first titles at the 13th Kantipur Half Marathon. Khadka finished in 1:06:47, while Shrestha clocked 1:23:28. Kenya’s Julius Muriuki and Army’s Purnalakshmi Neupane secured second place, with Gopichandra Parki and Pushpa Bhandari finishing third. The race began from Thapathali and included college and corporate runs. Winners received cash prizes and gift hampers. Susan Karki won the girls’ college run for the second consecutive year.

Rishon Thapa Wins Second FIDE Rapid Chess Tournament in Memory of Nabindra Raj Joshi: Nepali player Rishon Thapa triumphed in the Second FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament held in memory of former Kathmandu Deputy Mayor Nabindra Raj Joshi. Organized by Kathmandu Ward No. 24, Thapa scored 8.5 points, defeating international players from the Philippines, India, USA, and the UK. He won Rs. 25,000. The event featured 154 players, including 16 foreigners. Prem Krishna Maharjan and India’s Shubham Kumar placed second and third. Special awards were also given across provinces, age groups, and categories including women and seniors.

Real Madrid Named World’s Richest Football Club for Fourth Year in a Row: Forbes: La Liga giant Real Madrid has been ranked the world’s richest football club for the fourth consecutive year, according to Forbes. The club’s valuation stands at $6.6 billion, with a record-breaking $1.13 billion in revenue for the 2023–24 season—making it the first football club to cross the $1 billion mark in a single season. Manchester United ranks second, also valued at $6.6 billion, followed by Barcelona at $5.65 billion. Six of the top ten clubs are from the Premier League.

Mumbai Indians Face Punjab Kings in High-Stakes IPL Qualifier 2 Clash: Mumbai Indians will pose a formidable challenge to Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 of the IPL in Ahmedabad on Sunday. MI, bolstered by a dominant win over Gujarat Titans, appear well-prepared for a sixth title push, with strong performances from Rohit Sharma, Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav. PBKS, reeling from a crushing loss to RCB in Qualifier 1, must regroup quickly. Missing key bowlers like Jansen and Chahal, Punjab will rely on their openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya to fire. As both teams gear up, the match may hinge on bowling execution on a pitch known for high scores.

IAEA Report: Iran Hid Nuclear Material at Undeclared Sites, Western Powers Push Resolution: Iran conducted secret nuclear activities using undeclared materials at three sites under investigation, a confidential IAEA report reveals. The U.S., UK, France, and Germany plan to submit a resolution declaring Iran in violation of its non-proliferation commitments at the upcoming June 9 board meeting. If passed, it would mark the first such declaration in nearly 20 years, further straining nuclear negotiations. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

EU Slams U.S. Tariff Hike on Steel, Warns of Countermeasures: The European Commission strongly criticized the U.S. decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%, calling it harmful to global trade and ongoing negotiations. The EU warned of potential countermeasures. President Trump defended the move as necessary to boost U.S. industry, with the tariffs set to take effect on June 4. He made the announcement at a Pennsylvania steel plant, also highlighting Japanese investment in U.S. Steel.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Injure 14 in Russia’s Kursk Region, Including Four Children: Ukrainian kamikaze drones struck multiple areas in Russia’s Kursk Region on Saturday, injuring 14 people, including four children, according to Acting Governor Aleksandr Khinshteyn. Residential buildings in Rylsk and Artakovo were damaged, with families hospitalized due to shrapnel wounds. Additional drone attacks hit Lgov and Rylsk districts, including an agricultural site and a private home. A 97-year-old woman escaped injury in one of the strikes.